Louisville's Avista CEO accepts new position at Maryland hospital

John Sackett to leave Avista after 31 years

After 31 years at Avista Adventist Hospital, president and CEO John Sackett has accepted a position as president at a Rockville, Md., hospital.

Sackett, in April, will start in his new position at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, a 331-bed facility that is part of a system of Adventist hospitals, according to an Avista press release.

Sackett's career in health care began at Boulder Memorial hospital as an administrative assistant.

Boulder Memorial moved to Louisville and changed its name in 1990, according to Avista officials, and Sackett then served as vice president and later as president of Avista, leading out in the building and staffing the Avista campus.

During his tenure as president, Sackett also served as senior vice president for Mission and Ministry at Centura Health, the largest health care network in Colorado, of which Avista is a member.

"John's 31-year legacy at Avista is rare on many levels, and has been foundational to the hospital's success. He combines a persistent drive to serve patients as whole individuals with the ability to lead with vision and to build a strong culture," said Jim Boyle, Chair of the Avista Board of Trustees, in a statement. "Under his leadership, the hospital not only opened but thrived and became recognized as one of the nation's top hospitals for patient, physician and employee satisfaction. While he will insist on crediting his staff, John's leadership has been what's made this possible. He will be sorely missed."

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Sackett's vision for health care is holistic, emphasizing the importance of caring for the medical, physical and spiritual needs of patients.

Since the opening of Avista in east Boulder County, Avista has partnered with Clinica Family Health Services to ensure all people in the community have access to quality health care.

Longtime Louisville residents, Sackett said he and his wife Sue, an active volunteer, love their community. Their work with the Avista family "has been the job of a lifetime."

"Our roots are deep here, and we are profoundly grateful for the incredible friendships and opportunities we've had. The Avista team is one of the finest anywhere, and it's been inspiring, humbling and exhilarating to do such purposeful work with them," Sackett said in a statement. "We will leave a piece of our hearts here in this wonderful community and at this hospital, for sure, but are looking forward to the possibilities for growth that this new position offers."

Sackett served as city council member for the City of Louisville from 1986-1991 and as board member for the Louisville Chamber of Commerce from 1993-1996.

He has been active in several civic, community and industry organizations including the Civic Forum, Community Food Share, United Way and the Department of Health and Human Services advisory committee, among others. Sackett has also been active in the American Hospital Association and the Colorado Hospital Association.

Sackett holds a master's in health administration degree from Loma Linda University and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Sackett will continue in his role at Louisville's Avista through March.

"We have great confidence that we are leaving Avista in the hands of a capable and dedicated team," he said.

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